PAN, October 16, 2011

Elderly woman injured in ISAF raid

"When people came out of their houses, the troops threw a grenade into Zainullah's house."

By Ortaq

Raids carried out by foreign troops have resulted in many civilian casualties, but these raids are increasing day by day. (Photo: PAN)

An elderly woman was injured when foreign troops raided her house in the northern province of Faryab, officials said on Sunday.

The 50-year-old was injured during Saturday's operation, which was conducted without coordination with local security forces in the Gozar Khwaja Abad village on the outskirts of Maimana, the provincial capital, police chief, Brig. Gen. Syed Ahmad Sami, told Pajhwok Afghan News.

"We went to a wedding party, while my mother remained. At night, foreign forces raided our house," said Zainullah, a son of the victim. His mother was injured and windowpanes of the house were smashed when the soldiers lobbed a hand- grenade into the house.

After searching the house, the troops left a leaflet, tendering an apology for the mistaken raid, said Zainullah, a teacher by profession.

His neighbour Izatullah said the foreign troops, using a loudspeaker, asked residents to exit peacefully before the operation. "When people came out of their houses, the troops threw a grenade into Zainullah's house."

The International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) said Afghan and foreign troops conducted the operation in Maimana late on Saturday.

"At the onset of the operation, the security force called for individuals inside a compound to exit peacefully. After the individuals refused to exit the building, the combined force used a light and noise-producing grenade in an attempt to force the occupants from the building," a statement from the force said.

A local woman was slightly injured, and windows and a door to the building were damaged, it added. "The security force provided the woman medical treatment on the scene and transported her, along with a male escort, to a nearby ISAF facility for routine follow-up care."

It said the security force compensated the building owner for the damage to the door and windows, the statement said.